Mira Costa opened its football season on high note Friday night with a 40-0 win at Torrance while Redondo discovered the difference between being a Division 4 team and one ranked in Division 1.
Mira Costa’s experience and athleticism showed on both sides of the ball against the Tartars as senior quarterback David Arredondo led a balanced offensive attack completing 11 of 17 passes for 153 yards and one touchdown and carrying the ball 11 times for 57 yards and a 3-yard score.
Junior running back Vashon Hill scored two touchdowns finishing the game with 75 yards on 11 carries and tight end Alec Oshita grabbed five passes for 86 yards to help the Mustangs win their season opener.
Mira Costa held a 20-0 lead at halftime after the Mustang defense recovered a Torrance fumble at the Mira Costa 1-yard line, capitalizing on the turnover with a 31-yard field goal as time expired.
Ranked No. 2 in CIF-Southern Section Division 6, Mira Costa (1-0) hosts Division 3 foe La Serna (1-1) Friday at 7 p.m.
La Serna is coming off a 49-19 victory over Lakewood and were led by running back Brandon Jimenez who had more than 100 yards running and catching the ball and scored two touchdowns in the win.
Mira Costa defeated La Serna 17-14 on the road last season.
Sea Hawks fall
Redondo (1-1) looks to rebound after a disappointing 31-0 loss at Vista Murrieta last Friday night.
The Sea Hawks entered the game ranked No. 4 in CIF-SS Division 4 but were no match for the Broncos who should move into the top ten in Division 1 after the victory.
Vista Murrieta held a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Junior running back Jermar Jefferson was named Redondo’s Offensive Player of the Game after finishing with 84 yards on 24 carries.
Quarterback Jack Alexander completed 14 of 30 passes for 126 yards.
“It would be easy to make excuses as to why we gave up 31 points, were shutout offensively, and floundered on special teams, but that’s not going to help us get better,” Redondo head coach Matt Ballard stated. “Vista Murrieta is a solid football program, no doubt, but we did not live up to our capabilities. We play tough pre-season teams because it allows for opportunities to challenge ourselves. We learned a lot about what we need to work on, and where we need to be. What we do with this info will dictate the team we become.”
Senior defensive end Kyron O’Gilvie was selected Redondo’s Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Game while senior lineman Logan Kerby was named Scout “Eager Beaver” Player of the Week.
Redondo remains on the road facing San Pedro of the LA City Section in a 7 p.m. contest Friday.
San Pedro (1-1) is coming off a 42-14 win against Roosevelt after dropping its season opener 27-21 to Downey.
The Pirates have two returning All-City players. Nicolas Ford (6-6, 270) plays on both side of the line and Nick Zabatta anchors the linebacking corps.
